Mumbai, October 26, 2015: Cricket frenzy has grabbed the nation as everyone is looking forward to support Team India as they take field against the mighty Proteas. As Team India took field at the Wankhede Stadium in the fifth and final ODI, 100 Mumbai kids had another reason to be excited as they made their stadium debut with this match as a part of #MyDebutMatch programme initiated jointly by Star Sports and BCCI.

100 Mumbai kids made their ‘debut’ at Wankhede during 5th India- SA ODI as a part of the initiative

Appreciating the initiative, Honorary Secretary of the BCCI, Mr. Anurag Thakur said, “This is a great way to connect young fans with the game. Today’s fans could be tomorrow’s stars. Nothing can match the excitement of watching the game live from the ground. This experience can inspire young fans to start loving the game and follow with increased enthusiasm.”

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Sanjay Gupta, COO, Star India said, “Hundreds of millions of enthusiastic cricket fans tune in to watch every match that their heroes, the Men in Blue, play. But nothing beats watching a game Live at the stadium. #MyDebutMatch is the biggest ever drive launched by Star Sports and BCCI for young cricket enthusiasts. Every child’s first Live cricket match at the stadium is an experience to remember and cherish. A first of its kind initiative by Star Sports and BCCI, My Debut Match provides an opportunity for young fans to make their maiden visit to the stadium and watch the game in action. Free passes, exclusive merchandise and once in a lifetime in-stadia experience, #MyDebutMatch will leave these kids with cherished memories of their stadium debut.”

Through #MyDebutMatch, Star Sports, India’s leading sports broadcaster has picked 100 kids from schools across Mumbai to make a ‘Fan Debut’ and watch the match with their parents. The initiative is an effort by Star Sports and BCCI to turn the budding cricket fans into cricket purists by giving them a taste of the electric, charged, stadium experience for the first time. The initiative will also be extended to the four test matches between India and South Africa to be held at Mohali, Bengaluru, Nagpur and Delhi under the Paytm Freedom Series.

Today, Star Sports is inspiring fans in the country to envision and believe in an India where sport gets its due. As part of the plan to achieve this objective, Star Sports is forging ahead with efforts to enhance the cricket-watching experience for the fans. Through innovative initiatives such as ‘My Debut Match,’ Star is aiming to create an unprecedented cricketing experience for millions of Indian sports fans.